Train Like an Athlete with Dr. Heather Twedell

🧠 Episode Summary

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast LIVE, host Conrad Weaver is joined by Dr. Heather Twedell, widely known as “Dr. T,” a leading psychologist specializing in first responder mental health and wellness. Dr. T shares her deeply personal connection to the first responder community, the origin story of her organization F1RST, and how her work—spanning from local fire departments to elite athletic teams like the Dallas Cowboys—is transforming how we care for those who serve.

The conversation dives into how first responders should be treated and trained like elite athletes—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and explores Dr. T’s holistic approach to healing and preparedness, not just for responders, but for their families too.

🔑 Key Topics Covered 🧬 Personal Background & First Responder Family Culture

• Dr. T shares her family’s legacy in law enforcement and healthcare

• How her upbringing led her to pursue forensic psychology

• Why being a first responder family member is both challenging and honorable

🚓 The Birth of F1RST

• Origin story of F1RST, starting with one small fire department

• Now serving 200+ departments, including DEA and FBI

• Focus on elevating wellness even in budget-constrained departments

🏈 The Athlete Analogy

• First responders vs. elite athletes: why the comparison works

• Importance of conditioning and recovery to prevent burnout and errors

• Insight from her work with the Dallas Cowboys

🧠 Mental Health & Physiology

• Explaining the mind-body connection in stress and trauma

• Understanding chronic stress’s physiological impact

• Importance of physical movement to aid mental health

🏥 Wellness for Dispatchers

• Unique challenges dispatchers face: trauma without closure

• The importance of movement and breathwork even in sedentary roles

• How physical fitness decreases long-term health risks

🧘 Breathing Techniques

• Guided exercises with physiological sighs

• Tools for self-regulation during stress

• Teachings from neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Support & Education

• Training not just for responders but their spouses and children

• Nervous system synchronization within families

• Importance of proactive family workshops and resources

🐴 Equine Therapy & Nature Healing

• Dr. T’s nonprofit Our Watch offers nature-based healing with horses

• How connecting with animals in nature helps regulate emotions

• Trauma recovery, grief support, and family healing in 12-acre outdoor space

📣 Quotes to Remember

“We can’t expect them to be elite at their job without a team around them. Even the Cowboys have a team every day.” — Dr. T

“You can’t let the job train you. You have to train for the job.” — Dr. T

“If we don’t slow down, we’ll miss what’s most important—our own body, our kids, our partner, our peace.” — Dr. T

“It’s not just about training the responders—it’s about training the families, too.” — Dr. T

📚 Resources & Mentions

• F1RST (Dr. T’s Organization): https://www.f1rst.org

• Social Media:

  • Instagram: @dr.t_at_first

• Books Mentioned:

  • Spark by Dr. John Ratey

  • Love a Cop

  • Code 4 Couples

• PTSD 911 Documentary: Dr. T featured in full uncut interview in the First Responder Toolkit

  • https://ptsd911movie.com

📅 Upcoming Guests

• April 25, 2025 – Jeremy Wade, Founder of Mission First Alliance: Faith in the First Responder Community

• TBD – Javier and Kathy Bustros, Peer Support Couple

🧘 Try This at Home: Physiological Sigh

Practice Dr. T’s favorite quick regulation technique:

1. Inhale deeply through your nose

2. Add a second short inhale at the top

3. Long, slow exhale through the mouth

4. Repeat 2–3 times

Use this tool:

• After a tough shift

• During high-stress conversations

• Before walking in the door at home

• During a workout to boost performance

💬 Get Involved

• Leave a comment on YouTube with your location and thoughts.

• Share this episode with first responders and families in your life.

• Start the conversation at home about mental wellness and resilience.

❤️ Special Thanks

A huge thank you to Dr. T for her unwavering commitment to healing the hearts, minds, and bodies of our frontline heroes and their families.

Stay Connected with Dr. T
🌐 Website: https://www.f1rst.org
📱 Instagram: @dr.t_at_first | @first_per
📘 Facebook & LinkedIn: F1RST & Dr. T

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Find First Responder Wellness LIVE on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe for more inspiring, actionable episodes to support the heroes in your life.

 

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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST

 

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